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Voting history · North Carolina

North Carolina

A dated list of changes to how Americans vote: district maps, polling places and drop boxes, voting laws and rules, and courts and election officials. Each entry says who did what and when, shows what became of it, and links to the page it rests on. Attempts that failed are listed as failed. Entries that rest on a news report name the outlet.

This is the state view: events recorded for North Carolina, then national events that apply here. See the national timeline.

Congressional districts in North Carolina

Choose a district to see the events tagged to it. A number after the district is how many events name it.

Kind of event
Decade

In North Carolina

2026

  1. Oct 21, 2026 State Courts and officials Pending

    Governor Stein asks North Carolina Supreme Court to review ruling moving election board appointments to the state auditor

    Carolina Journal reports that on October 21, 2026 lawyers for Gov. Josh Stein filed a petition asking the Supreme Court of North Carolina to take Stein v. Hall and overturn the Court of Appeals' 2-1 decision of September 16, 2026, which upheld a state law transferring appointments to the State Board of Elections and county election boards from the governor to State Auditor Dave Boliek. The filing argues that the Court of Appeals' judgment "involves a substantial question arising under the North Carolina Constitution." The report says Boliek's appointments in May 2025 changed the state board and all 100 county boards from 3-2 Democratic to 3-2 Republican majorities.

    Related: Court of Appeals holds the transfer of election board appointments does not violate separation of powers

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  2. Oct 19, 2026 State Courts and officials Decided by a court

    Federal judge declines to block the State Board's 2026 absentee-ballot signature and sealing rules

    On October 19, 2026 U.S. District Judge Thomas D. Schroeder (Middle District of North Carolina) denied a preliminary injunction sought by the North Carolina Alliance for Retired Americans, North Carolina Asian Americans Together, Down Home North Carolina and two voters in No. 1:26cv965. They challenged two provisions of the State Board of Elections' September 4, 2026 update to Numbered Memo 2021-03, a signature verification requirement and a sealing requirement for absentee ballots, and their use by the Guilford and Durham county boards. The court wrote that neither provision "is burdensome, much less unduly so," and that the memo provides notice and a chance to cure. The order notes it is "a preliminary determination that is not an ultimate determination of the merits."

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  3. Oct 15, 2026 County Courts and officials Decided by a court

    Judge lets former New Hanover County elections director's challenge to her removal proceed, dismisses constitutional claims

    Port City Daily reported that on October 15, 2026, Superior Court Judge Craig Croom allowed former New Hanover County elections director DeNay Harris' petition for judicial review of her removal to proceed, after the county and state boards of elections asked for dismissal, and dismissed with prejudice her claims under the state constitution and her request for a declaratory judgment. Harris, hired by the county board in January 2026, was put on paid leave on March 19 after raising concerns about county employees' access to ballots and election systems; State Board of Elections Executive Director Sam Hayes approved the county board's removal petition on May 20 and it became final on June 9, according to the report.

    Source last checked Oct 27, 2026

  4. October 2026 County Polling places and drop boxes Enacted

    State Board sets two early-voting sites in Cullowhee after Jackson County board splits

    WLOS reported on October 14, 2026 that because the Jackson County Board of Elections did not adopt a unanimous early-voting plan, the State Board of Elections voted unanimously to set two early-voting sites in Cullowhee: the Cullowhee Recreation site and Western Carolina University's Health and Human Sciences building, replacing a site at the University Center. County elections director Amanda Allen said, "Our county had a nonunanimous plan, so there was a discrepancy." The station reported the Health and Human Sciences building would be the only precinct open in Cullowhee on Election Day. Cullowhee lies in Jackson County.

    Source last checked Oct 21, 2026

  5. Sep 16, 2026 State Courts and officials Decided by a court

    Court of Appeals holds the transfer of election board appointments does not violate separation of powers

    On September 16, 2026 the North Carolina Court of Appeals held in Stein v. Hall that "the General Assembly did not violate the separation of powers by enacting Sections 3A.3.(b), (c), (d), (f), (g), and (h) of SB 382," reversing the part of the April 2025 panel order declaring them unconstitutional. Judge Arrowood dissented.

    Related: Three-judge panel declares parts of Senate Bill 382 unconstitutional · Legislature overrides veto of Senate Bill 749, shifting State Board of Elections appointments · Governor Stein asks North Carolina Supreme Court to review ruling moving election board appointments to the state auditor

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  6. Aug 20, 2026 County Polling places and drop boxes Decided by a court

    State Board approves one early-voting site and no weekend hours for Anson County

    On August 20, 2026, the North Carolina State Board of Elections approved, along party lines, a Republican-backed early-voting plan for Anson County with one site and no weekend hours, which Carolina Public Press described as the minimum state law allows. The outlet reported that the county's 2022 plan had included three Saturdays and one Sunday, and that State Board Executive Director Sam Hayes said recent staff turnover in the county office had required help from the State Board and neighboring counties.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  7. Aug 20, 2026 County Polling places and drop boxes Decided by a court

    Columbus County early-voting plan: board floated one site, State Board approves plan with Fair Bluff site

    Carolina Public Press reported that the Columbus County Board of Elections chair floated cutting the county's five usual early-voting sites to one, then the board moved to three and then four sites. On August 20, 2026, the State Board of Elections, whose members voted along party lines on most plans that day, approved a plan proposed by member Stacy Eggers that included a site at the Fair Bluff Fire Department and kept the county board's removal of a Sunday. Voters protested outside the State Board office over the cuts.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  8. Aug 20, 2026 County Polling places and drop boxes Decided by a court

    State Board approves four early-voting sites for Granville County after a split county board

    Carolina Public Press reported that Granville County had three early-voting sites in the 2022 midterm. The county's Republican members proposed moving the downtown Oxford site about five miles outside town, adding a site in Stovall and cutting the South Branch Library site; board Democrats opposed that plan. After county commissioners offered $60,000 for four sites, the State Board of Elections on August 20, 2026 approved a four-site compromise proposed by member Stacy Eggers, by a 4-1 vote.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  9. Aug 20, 2026 County Polling places and drop boxes Decided by a court

    State Board approves Guilford County early-voting plan with Stokesdale and Union Square sites, not campus sites

    On August 20, 2026, the North Carolina State Board of Elections approved the Guilford County Board of Elections' majority early-voting plan for the November election by a 3-2 vote. Carolina Public Press reported that the county board had voted 4-1 to add sites in Stokesdale and Union Square instead of sites at North Carolina A&T State University and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, which students had asked for. The outlet reported that neither campus has hosted a site in a midterm election, though both were used in recent presidential elections.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  10. Aug 20, 2026 County Polling places and drop boxes Decided by a court

    State Board unanimously approves one three-hour Sunday of early voting in Lee County

    Carolina Public Press reported that Lee County's Republican majority proposed no weekend early voting beyond the required final Saturday, while Democrats proposed the first weekend or the first Saturday. On August 20, 2026, the State Board of Elections unanimously approved a middle plan with one Sunday of early voting for three hours.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  11. Aug 20, 2026 County Polling places and drop boxes Decided by a court

    State Board approves plans dropping Sunday early voting in Harnett, Nash, Chatham, Wayne and Greene counties

    On August 20, 2026, the North Carolina State Board of Elections approved county early-voting plans that cut Sunday voting days. Carolina Public Press reported that Harnett, Nash, Chatham and Wayne counties each lost two Sundays and Greene County lost one, compared with their earlier plans. The board voted along party lines on most of the 20 disputed plans it reviewed that day.

    Counties: Harnett County, Nash County, Chatham County, Wayne County, Greene County

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  12. Aug 20, 2026 County Polling places and drop boxes Decided by a court

    State Board approves Union County early-voting plan with Saturdays only

    Carolina Public Press reported that Union County held early voting every weekend in the 2022 midterm, but its 2026 board could agree on only one Saturday. On August 20, 2026, the State Board of Elections voted along party lines to approve the Republican majority's plan, which had all Saturdays and no Sundays. The county board's Republican chair, Chris Duggan, said a budget cut played a large role in the decision.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  13. Jun 9, 2026 State Courts and officials Decided by a court

    Wake County judge rules people who never lived in North Carolina may not register or vote as overseas voters

    In Kivett v. North Carolina State Board of Elections (Wake County Superior Court No. 24CV031557-910), brought by two voters, the Republican National Committee, the North Carolina Republican Party and the Wake County Republican Party, Judge Hoyt G. Tessener granted the plaintiffs summary judgment in an order signed June 5 and filed June 9, 2026. The order says the matters "have been addressed by our State's appellate courts" and declares that persons who have never resided in North Carolina and qualify only as "covered voters" under N.C. Gen. Stat. 163-258.2(1)(e) "are not eligible to register and vote in any North Carolina election contest, including state or federal contests." State Court Report wrote on October 26, 2026 that similar suits continue in other states.

    Related: Court of Claims upholds Michigan's rule letting citizens who never lived in the U.S. vote where a parent or spouse last lived · Nebraska Supreme Court upholds 2005 law letting certain overseas voters register

    Source last checked Oct 26, 2026

  14. Mar 26, 2026 State Courts and officials Upheld

    Federal judge upholds the 2018 photo ID law after a bench trial

    On March 26, 2026 U.S. District Judge Loretta Biggs upheld North Carolina's photo voter identification law, setting aside arguments that it was enacted with discriminatory intent against Black and Latino voters, the Associated Press reported. The case, brought by the state NAACP and local chapters, was tried without a jury in spring 2024.

    Related: North Carolina Supreme Court reverses itself and upholds the photo ID law · Voters amend the state constitution to require photo identification

    Source last checked Oct 21, 2026

2025

  1. Nov 26, 2025 State Courts and officials Upheld

    Federal three-judge panel denies injunctions against the redrawn congressional map

    On November 26, 2025 a federal three-judge panel unanimously denied preliminary injunction requests against the redrawn congressional map, and the day after a mid-November hearing separately upheld several other U.S. House districts that lawmakers had initially enacted in 2023 and that were first used in 2024, the Associated Press reported.

    Congressional districts named: NC-1

    Related: General Assembly gives final approval to a redrawn congressional map

    Source last checked Oct 21, 2026

  2. Oct 22, 2025 State Maps and lines Enacted

    General Assembly gives final approval to a redrawn congressional map

    PBS NewsHour, citing the Associated Press, reported that the Republican-controlled General Assembly gave final approval on October 22, 2025 to changes to the congressional map; the litigation said the Black voting-age population in the 1st District would fall from 40 percent under the 2023 map to 32 percent. The map was drawn in a mid-decade effort that the Associated Press said targeted the state's one swing seat.

    Congressional districts named: NC-1

    Related: Federal three-judge panel denies injunctions against the redrawn congressional map

    Source last checked Oct 21, 2026

  3. Sep 8, 2025 State Courts and officials Settled

    Court enters consent order in Justice Department suit over the state voter list

    The Justice Department sued North Carolina and its State Board of Elections on May 27, 2025 under the Help America Vote Act, alleging the state registration form did not require identifying information and that at least 100,000 voters lacked it. A School of Government timeline records a consent judgment on September 8, 2025; the Justice Department announced the court-entered consent order on September 9.

    Related: Burke County files a federal-law complaint about the state registration form; State Board orders form changes

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  4. May 5, 2025 State Courts and officials Decided by a court

    Federal judge orders the Riggs-Griffin results certified with disputed ballots counted

    On May 5, 2025 U.S. District Judge Richard Myers ruled that potentially thousands of ballots challenged by Jefferson Griffin must remain in the final tally and ordered the State Board of Elections to certify results showing Allison Riggs the winner by 734 votes. On May 7 Griffin conceded and said he would not appeal, according to the Associated Press. The Fourth Circuit had on April 22 enjoined the State Board from mailing 30-day cure notices.

    Related: North Carolina Supreme Court orders a cure period for overseas voters and removal of "never resident" votes

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  5. Apr 23, 2025 State Courts and officials Struck down

    Three-judge panel declares parts of Senate Bill 382 unconstitutional

    On April 23, 2025 a divided three-judge Wake County Superior Court panel granted the Governor summary judgment and declared Sections 3A.3(b), (c), (d), (f), (g) and (h) of Session Law 2024-57 (SB 382) unconstitutional. The dissent describes the law as removing from the Governor's control the administration and appointment power of the State Board and county boards.

    Related: Legislature overrides veto of Senate Bill 749, shifting State Board of Elections appointments · Court of Appeals holds the transfer of election board appointments does not violate separation of powers

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  6. Apr 11, 2025 State Courts and officials Decided by a court

    North Carolina Supreme Court orders a cure period for overseas voters and removal of "never resident" votes

    On April 11, 2025 the North Carolina Supreme Court rejected the incomplete-registration challenge, accepted the overseas photo ID challenge while expanding the cure period to 30 days, and upheld removal of "never resident" votes, per the Fourth Circuit's summary of the opinion and the School of Government timeline.

    Related: Riggs leads Griffin by 734 votes at canvass; Griffin challenges ballots in all 100 counties · Federal judge orders the Riggs-Griffin results certified with disputed ballots counted

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

2024

  1. Dec 10, 2024 State Courts and officials Reported

    Riggs leads Griffin by 734 votes at canvass; Griffin challenges ballots in all 100 counties

    A School of Government timeline records that at the December 10, 2024 canvass in the Supreme Court Seat 6 race, Allison Riggs had 2,770,412 votes and Jefferson Griffin 2,769,678, a difference of 734. Griffin had filed protests with all 100 county boards of elections on November 19, challenging ballots on three grounds, including incomplete registrations, overseas voters without photo ID, and voters who had never resided in the state.

    Related: North Carolina Supreme Court orders a cure period for overseas voters and removal of "never resident" votes

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  2. Oct 7, 2024 County Polling places and drop boxes Enacted

    State Board approves emergency voting measures for 13 counties after Hurricane Helene

    On October 7, 2024 the State Board of Elections voted 5-0 to approve emergency measures for 13 western counties where infrastructure, voting-site access and postal service remained severely disrupted after Helene. They allowed county boards to modify early voting sites, days and hours and Election Day polling places by bipartisan majority vote, and allowed in-person absentee requests through Nov. 4 and hand delivery of absentee ballots to other county boards. The counties are Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga and Yancey.

    Counties: Ashe County, Avery County, Buncombe County, Haywood County, Henderson County, Madison County, McDowell County, Mitchell County, Polk County, Rutherford County, Transylvania County, Watauga County, Yancey County

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

2023

  1. Oct 23, 2023 County Courts and officials Decided by a court

    Burke County files a federal-law complaint about the state registration form; State Board orders form changes

    A School of Government timeline records that on October 23, 2023 Burke County filed a Help America Vote Act administrative complaint with the State Board of Elections, asserting that the state voter registration form does not require the driver's license or Social Security numbers HAVA requires. The State Board's December 6, 2023 order concluded a HAVA violation could occur and that staff-recommended changes to the form should be implemented.

    Related: Court enters consent order in Justice Department suit over the state voter list

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  2. Oct 10, 2023 State Laws and rules Enacted

    Legislature overrides veto of Senate Bill 749, shifting State Board of Elections appointments

    On October 10, 2023 the General Assembly overrode Governor Cooper's veto and enacted Session Law 2023-139 (SB 749), which transferred the State Board of Elections administratively to the Department of the Secretary of State, raised its membership from five to eight and moved the power to appoint all State Board members from the Governor to the General Assembly. The Governor sued October 17, 2023.

    Related: Three-judge panel declares parts of Senate Bill 382 unconstitutional · Court of Appeals holds the transfer of election board appointments does not violate separation of powers

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  3. Apr 28, 2023 State Courts and officials Decided by a court

    On rehearing, North Carolina Supreme Court overrules its 2022 map decision and holds partisan-map claims nonjusticiable

    On April 28, 2023, on rehearing, the North Carolina Supreme Court wrote that "the decision of this Court in Harper I is overruled," that its December 2022 Harper II opinion "is withdrawn and superseded," and that the three-judge panel's February 23, 2022 order "is vacated." The opinion states that such partisan-map claims "are deemed political questions and are nonjusticiable."

    Related: North Carolina Supreme Court strikes down the 2021 congressional and legislative maps · Supreme Court decides Rucho v. Common Cause · Supreme Court decides Moore v. Harper

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  4. Apr 28, 2023 State Courts and officials Decided by a court

    North Carolina Supreme Court reverses itself and upholds the photo ID law

    On April 28, 2023 the North Carolina Supreme Court withdrew its prior opinion and held that S.B. 824 does not violate Article I, Section 19 of the state constitution, reversing a three-judge panel's ruling that the law was enacted with discriminatory intent. It held that a challenger must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the law was enacted with discriminatory intent and that it actually produces a meaningful disparate impact along racial lines.

    Related: Voters amend the state constitution to require photo identification · Federal judge upholds the 2018 photo ID law after a bench trial

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

2022

  1. Feb 4, 2022 State Courts and officials Struck down

    North Carolina Supreme Court strikes down the 2021 congressional and legislative maps

    On February 4, 2022 the North Carolina Supreme Court struck down the General Assembly's 2021 congressional, Senate and House maps as "unconstitutional partisan gerrymanders that failed strict scrutiny." A December 16, 2022 decision held the trial court had erred in approving the remedial Senate plan.

    Related: General Assembly enacts new congressional and legislative maps · Supreme Court decides Moore v. Harper · On rehearing, North Carolina Supreme Court overrules its 2022 map decision and holds partisan-map claims nonjusticiable

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

2021

  1. Nov 4, 2021 State Maps and lines Enacted

    General Assembly enacts new congressional and legislative maps

    The North Carolina Supreme Court records that on November 4, 2021 the General Assembly enacted new maps for the state's congressional districts and state House and Senate districts.

    Related: North Carolina Supreme Court strikes down the 2021 congressional and legislative maps

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

2019

  1. Sep 3, 2019 State Maps and lines Struck down

    Three-judge state court strikes down North Carolina's 2017 House and Senate maps in Common Cause v. Lewis

    On September 3, 2019, a three-judge Superior Court panel in Wake County entered judgment in Common Cause v. Lewis, No. 18 CVS 014001. The decree states: "The Court declares that the 2017 House and Senate Plans are unconstitutional and invalid because there is no reasonable doubt each plan violates the rights of Plaintiffs and other Democratic voters under the North Carolina Constitution's Equal Protection Clause ... the Free Elections Clause ... and the Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Assembly Clauses." It permanently enjoined use of the districts in specified House and Senate county groupings in the 2020 elections and directed the General Assembly to redraw them.

    Related: Supreme Court decides Rucho v. Common Cause

    Source last checked Oct 21, 2026

  2. September 2019 County Polling places and drop boxes Reported

    Report counts 1 fewer polling place in Caswell County in 2018 than in 2012

    The Leadership Conference Education Fund, a civil rights coalition, reported in September 2019 that Caswell County had 10 Election Day polling places in the 2012 general election and 9 in 2018, a change of -1 (-10%). The report lists the 2012 count as from a hand count of polling-place lists and the 2018 count as from a hand count of polling-place lists. The report covers counties once covered by Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  3. September 2019 County Polling places and drop boxes Reported

    Report counts 5 fewer polling places in Cleveland County in 2018 than in 2012

    The Leadership Conference Education Fund, a civil rights coalition, reported in September 2019 that Cleveland County had 26 Election Day polling places in the 2012 general election and 21 in 2018, a change of -5 (-19%). The report lists the 2012 count as from a hand count of polling-place lists and the 2018 count as from a hand count of polling-place lists. The report covers counties once covered by Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  4. September 2019 County Polling places and drop boxes Reported

    Report counts 3 fewer polling places in Craven County in 2018 than in 2012

    The Leadership Conference Education Fund, a civil rights coalition, reported in September 2019 that Craven County had 27 Election Day polling places in the 2012 general election and 24 in 2018, a change of -3 (-11%). The report lists the 2012 count as from a hand count of polling-place lists and the 2018 count as from a hand count of polling-place lists. The report covers counties once covered by Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  5. September 2019 County Polling places and drop boxes Reported

    Report counts 4 fewer polling places in Halifax County in 2018 than in 2012

    The Leadership Conference Education Fund, a civil rights coalition, reported in September 2019 that Halifax County had 25 Election Day polling places in the 2012 general election and 21 in 2018, a change of -4 (-16%). The report lists the 2012 count as from a hand count of polling-place lists and the 2018 count as from a hand count of polling-place lists. The report covers counties once covered by Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  6. September 2019 County Polling places and drop boxes Reported

    Report counts 1 more polling place in Harnett County in 2018 than in 2012

    The Leadership Conference Education Fund, a civil rights coalition, reported in September 2019 that Harnett County had 12 Election Day polling places in the 2012 general election and 13 in 2018, a change of +1 (8%). The report lists the 2012 count as from a hand count of polling-place lists and the 2018 count as from a hand count of polling-place lists. The report covers counties once covered by Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  7. September 2019 County Polling places and drop boxes Reported

    Report counts 1 more polling place in Hoke County in 2018 than in 2012

    The Leadership Conference Education Fund, a civil rights coalition, reported in September 2019 that Hoke County had 14 Election Day polling places in the 2012 general election and 15 in 2018, a change of +1 (7%). The report lists the 2012 count as from a hand count of polling-place lists and the 2018 count as from a hand count of polling-place lists. The report covers counties once covered by Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  8. September 2019 County Polling places and drop boxes Reported

    Report counts 1 fewer polling place in Jackson County in 2018 than in 2012

    The Leadership Conference Education Fund, a civil rights coalition, reported in September 2019 that Jackson County had 15 Election Day polling places in the 2012 general election and 14 in 2018, a change of -1 (-7%). The report lists the 2012 count as from a hand count of polling-place lists and the 2018 count as from a hand count of polling-place lists. The report covers counties once covered by Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  9. September 2019 County Polling places and drop boxes Reported

    Report counts 1 fewer polling place in Martin County in 2018 than in 2012

    The Leadership Conference Education Fund, a civil rights coalition, reported in September 2019 that Martin County had 12 Election Day polling places in the 2012 general election and 11 in 2018, a change of -1 (-8%). The report lists the 2012 count as from a hand count of polling-place lists and the 2018 count as from a hand count of polling-place lists. The report covers counties once covered by Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  10. September 2019 County Polling places and drop boxes Reported

    Report counts 3 fewer polling places in Nash County in 2018 than in 2012

    The Leadership Conference Education Fund, a civil rights coalition, reported in September 2019 that Nash County had 27 Election Day polling places in the 2012 general election and 24 in 2018, a change of -3 (-11%). The report lists the 2012 count as from a hand count of polling-place lists and the 2018 count as from a hand count of polling-place lists. The report covers counties once covered by Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  11. September 2019 County Polling places and drop boxes Reported

    Report counts 4 fewer polling places in Pasquotank County in 2018 than in 2012

    The Leadership Conference Education Fund, a civil rights coalition, reported in September 2019 that Pasquotank County had 13 Election Day polling places in the 2012 general election and 9 in 2018, a change of -4 (-31%). The report lists the 2012 count as from a hand count of polling-place lists and the 2018 count as from a hand count of polling-place lists. The report covers counties once covered by Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  12. September 2019 County Polling places and drop boxes Reported

    Report counts 3 fewer polling places in Person County in 2018 than in 2012

    The Leadership Conference Education Fund, a civil rights coalition, reported in September 2019 that Person County had 14 Election Day polling places in the 2012 general election and 11 in 2018, a change of -3 (-21%). The report lists the 2012 count as from a hand count of polling-place lists and the 2018 count as from a hand count of polling-place lists. The report covers counties once covered by Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  13. September 2019 County Polling places and drop boxes Reported

    Report counts 4 fewer polling places in Robeson County in 2018 than in 2012

    The Leadership Conference Education Fund, a civil rights coalition, reported in September 2019 that Robeson County had 42 Election Day polling places in the 2012 general election and 38 in 2018, a change of -4 (-10%). The report lists the 2012 count as from a hand count of polling-place lists and the 2018 count as from a hand count of polling-place lists. The report covers counties once covered by Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

2018

  1. Dec 19, 2018 State Laws and rules Enacted

    General Assembly overrides the Governor's veto of Senate Bill 824, implementing the photo ID amendment (Session Law 2018-144)

    The General Assembly's record for Senate Bill 824, summarized as "AN ACT TO IMPLEMENT THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT REQUIRING PHOTOGRAPHIC IDENTIFICATION TO VOTE," shows the Governor vetoed it on December 14, 2018. The Senate voted to override on December 18, 2018 (33 to 12) and the House on December 19, 2018 (72 to 40), making it Session Law 2018-144 on December 19, 2018.

    Related: Voters amend the state constitution to require photo identification · North Carolina Supreme Court reverses itself and upholds the photo ID law

    Source last checked Oct 21, 2026

  2. November 2018 State Laws and rules Enacted

    Voters amend the state constitution to require photo identification

    The North Carolina Supreme Court records that in November 2018 the people amended the State Constitution to require that "voters offering to vote in person shall present photographic identification before voting," and that the General Assembly then passed S.B. 824 to implement it.

    Related: North Carolina Supreme Court reverses itself and upholds the photo ID law · Federal judge upholds the 2018 photo ID law after a bench trial

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

2016

  1. Aug 11, 2016 State Courts and officials Struck down

    Three-judge court finds challenged state House and Senate districts were drawn by race

    On August 11, 2016 in Covington v. North Carolina, a three-judge federal court wrote that "race was the predominant factor motivating the drawing of all challenged districts," and that defendants had not shown the use of race was narrowly tailored to comply with Section 2 or Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act.

    Related: Three-judge court holds congressional Districts 1 and 12 were drawn predominantly by race

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  2. Jul 29, 2016 State Courts and officials Struck down

    Fourth Circuit strikes down North Carolina's 2013 election law provisions

    On July 29, 2016 the Fourth Circuit reversed the district court in the challenge to the 2013 election law (SL 2013-381), writing that "the new provisions target African Americans with almost surgical precision," and remanded with instructions to enjoin the challenged provisions. It noted that the day after Shelby County was decided, a Senate Rules Committee chairman said an omnibus bill was coming.

    Related: Supreme Court decides Shelby County v. Holder

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  3. Feb 5, 2016 Congressional district: NC-1, NC-12 Courts and officials Struck down

    Three-judge court holds congressional Districts 1 and 12 were drawn predominantly by race

    On February 5, 2016 a three-judge federal court found in Harris v. McCrory that "race predominated in both CD 1 and CD 12 and that the defendants have failed to establish that its race-based redistricting satisfies strict scrutiny," and gave the legislature until February 19, 2016 to enact a remedial plan.

    Related: Supreme Court decides Cooper v. Harris

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

2013

  1. Aug 12, 2013 State Laws and rules Enacted

    Governor signs House Bill 589, the Voter Information Verification Act (Session Law 2013-381)

    The North Carolina General Assembly's record shows House Bill 589 was presented to the Governor on July 29, 2013 and signed on August 12, 2013 (Session Law 2013-381). The Legislative Reporting Service digest describes it as "AN ACT TO RESTORE CONFIDENCE IN GOVERNMENT BY ESTABLISHING THE VOTER INFORMATION VERIFICATION ACT ... AND BY REQUIRING VOTERS TO PROVIDE PHOTO IDENTIFICATION BEFORE VOTING ... AND TO FURTHER REFORM THE ELECTION LAWS," effective January 1, 2014 except as otherwise provided.

    Related: Fourth Circuit strikes down North Carolina's 2013 election law provisions

    Source last checked Oct 21, 2026

2012

  1. Apr 30, 2012 County Laws and rules Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects to shrinking the Pitt County school board from twelve members to seven

    On April 30, 2012 the Justice Department objected to parts of Session Law 2011-174, which reduced the Pitt County school board from twelve to seven members, elected from six single-member districts and one at large, and shortened terms from six years to four.

    Related: Supreme Court decides Shelby County v. Holder

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

2009

  1. Aug 17, 2009 County Laws and rules Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects to nonpartisan elections in Kinston

    On August 17, 2009 the Justice Department objected to the City of Kinston's change to nonpartisan elections with a plurality-vote requirement, stating that it could not conclude the city had shown the change was not retrogressive. The Department's list notes a later withdrawal.

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

2007

  1. Jun 25, 2007 County Laws and rules Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects to Fayetteville's change from nine council districts to six plus three at-large

    On June 25, 2007 the Justice Department objected to the City of Fayetteville's change in method of election from nine single-member districts to six districts and three at-large seats, and to the resulting 2007 redistricting plan, stating it could not conclude the city had shown the absence of a retrogressive effect.

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

2002

  1. Jul 23, 2002 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects to Harnett County's 2001 redistricting plans

    On July 23, 2002 the Justice Department wrote it was "compelled to object to the county's 2001 redistricting plan" for the Harnett County boards of commissioners and education. The letter noted the single-member district system dated from a 1989 consent decree in Porter v. Stewart.

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

2001

  1. Apr 18, 2001 Congressional district: NC-12 Courts and officials Upheld

    Supreme Court reverses a finding that the 1997 12th District was drawn mainly by race

    In Easley v. Cromartie, decided April 18, 2001, the Court held that a district court's "conclusion that the State violated the Equal Protection Clause in drawing the 1997 boundaries is based on clearly erroneous findings," after a trial on whether race or politics drove the lines.

    Related: Supreme Court holds the 1992 version of North Carolina's 12th District unconstitutional

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

1997

  1. Feb 3, 1997 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Camp Butner Reservation (Granville County): At-large method of election and staggered terms

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for North Carolina records an objection letter dated February 3, 1997, to Camp Butner Reservation (Granville County). The list describes the change as "At-large method of election and staggered terms." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

1996

  1. Jun 13, 1996 Congressional district: NC-12 Courts and officials Struck down

    Supreme Court holds the 1992 version of North Carolina's 12th District unconstitutional

    In Shaw v. Hunt, decided June 13, 1996, the Court held that the North Carolina plan "violates the Equal Protection Clause because the State's reapportionment scheme is not narrowly tailored to serve a compelling state interest," in a challenge to majority-black Districts 1 and 12.

    Related: Supreme Court decides Shaw v. Reno · Supreme Court reverses a finding that the 1997 12th District was drawn mainly by race

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  2. Feb 13, 1996 State Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects to a law barring districts from crossing precinct lines

    On February 13, 1996 the Justice Department wrote that it "must object" to Chapter 355 (1995), which would prohibit state legislative and congressional district boundaries from crossing voting precinct lines unless the districts were found to violate Section 5.

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

1994

  1. Sep 13, 1994 County Laws and rules Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects to Mount Olive's four-district, two at-large election plan

    On September 13, 1994 the Justice Department objected to the town of Mount Olive's four-district, two at-large method of election, including an increase from five to six commissioners. The Department's list places the town in Wayne County.

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  2. Apr 25, 1994 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Laurinburg (Scotland County): Annexation (Ordinance No. 0-1994-01)

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for North Carolina records an objection letter dated April 25, 1994, to Laurinburg (Scotland County). The list describes the change as "Annexation (Ordinance No. 0-1994-01)." The list adds the note "Withdrawn 6-23-94." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

1993

  1. Nov 16, 1993 State Laws and rules Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects to delaying mail-in voter registration

    On November 16, 1993 the Justice Department wrote that it "must object" to the proposed delay in implementing the mail-in registration procedure.

    Related: National Voter Registration Act of 1993 becomes law

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

1991

  1. Dec 18, 1991 State Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects to the 1991 House, Senate and congressional plans

    On December 18, 1991 the Justice Department wrote that it "must object" to the 1991 redistricting for the North Carolina State House, Senate and congressional plans to the extent each incorporated the proposed configurations for certain areas discussed in the letter. A 1996 letter refers to these as objections to the 1991 congressional, State House and State Senate plans.

    Related: Supreme Court decides Shaw v. Reno · Supreme Court holds the 1992 version of North Carolina's 12th District unconstitutional

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  2. Sep 23, 1991 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Anson County School District

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for North Carolina records an objection letter dated September 23, 1991, to Anson County School District. The list describes the change as "Chapter 33 (1991)--method of election (two at-large positions and the 40-percent plurality requirement for nomination for those positions)." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

1990

  1. Jun 28, 1990 County Laws and rules Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects to a majority-vote primary for Franklin County commissioners

    On June 28, 1990 the Justice Department wrote that it "must object" to the adoption of a majority-vote requirement in primary elections for the Franklin County Commission.

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  2. May 29, 1990 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Anson County School District: At-large election with numbered positions and runoff requirement for two members

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for North Carolina records an objection letter dated May 29, 1990, to Anson County School District. The list describes the change as "Chapter 288 (1989)--at-large election with numbered positions and runoff requirement for two members." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  3. Apr 9, 1990 County Laws and rules Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Perquimans County

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for North Carolina records an objection letter dated April 9, 1990, to Perquimans County. The list describes the change as "Act No. 104 (1989)--method of election (elimination of residency requirement and adoption of plurality vote requirement for primary elections, and method of staggering terms)." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  4. Apr 9, 1990 County Laws and rules Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Perquimans County School District: Method of election (elimination of residency requirement and method of staggering terms)

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for North Carolina records an objection letter dated April 9, 1990, to Perquimans County School District. The list describes the change as "Act No. 105 (1989)--method of election (elimination of residency requirement and method of staggering terms)." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

1989

  1. Dec 18, 1989 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Ahoskie (Hertford County): Three annexations (Ordinance Nos. 1989-02, 1989-03, 1989-04)

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for North Carolina records an objection letter dated December 18, 1989, to Ahoskie (Hertford County). The list describes the change as "Three annexations (Ordinance Nos. 1989-02, 1989-03, 1989-04)." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  2. Dec 4, 1989 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Lee County: Permits changes in method of election for county board of commissioners

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for North Carolina records an objection letter dated December 4, 1989, to Lee County. The list describes the change as "Chapter 195, H.B. No. 595 (1989)--permits changes in method of election for county board of commissioners; June 26, 1989, Resolution -- increases number of commissioners from five to seven; changes method of election from at large by majority vote and staggered terms to four commissioners elected from single-member districts and three commissioners elected at large, all by plurality vote for staggered terms 4-3, with three at-large seats elected concurrently without numbered posts; a districting plan; an implementation schedule; and procedures for selecting party nominees in the event of a tie in the primary." The list adds the note "Withdrawn 1-8-90." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

1988

  1. Aug 1, 1988 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Granville County School District: Change from at-large to single-member districts and the districting plan

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for North Carolina records an objection letter dated August 1, 1988, to Granville County School District. The list describes the change as "Change from at-large to single-member districts and the districting plan." The list adds the note "Withdrawn 12-29-88." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

1987

  1. Dec 29, 1987 County Laws and rules Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Pitt County: Method of election

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for North Carolina records an objection letter dated December 29, 1987, to Pitt County. The list describes the change as "Chapter 432 (1987)--method of election." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  2. Dec 7, 1987 County Laws and rules Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects to Anson County's majority vote requirement

    On December 7, 1987 the Justice Department wrote that it "must object" to the majority vote requirement occasioned by Chapter 216 (1977) in Anson County.

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  3. Nov 9, 1987 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Camden County School District: Residency districts

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for North Carolina records an objection letter dated November 9, 1987, to Camden County School District. The list describes the change as "Chapter 173, H.B. No. 490 (1977)--residency districts." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  4. Nov 2, 1987 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Bladen County

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for North Carolina records an objection letter dated November 2, 1987, to Bladen County. The list describes the change as "August 20, 1987, resolution which provides for a change in the method of electing the board of commissioners from at large to three double-member districts and one at-large, the districting plan, implementation schedule, and the increase in the size of the board from five to seven members." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  5. Oct 26, 1987 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Beaufort County School District: Residency districts

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for North Carolina records an objection letter dated October 26, 1987, to Beaufort County School District. The list describes the change as "Chapter 210 (1971)--residency districts." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  6. Jul 6, 1987 County Laws and rules Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Onslow County: Staggered terms (board of commissioners)

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for North Carolina records an objection letter dated July 6, 1987, to Onslow County. The list describes the change as "Chapter 151, H.B. No. 311 (1969) and Chapter 167, S.B. No. 209 (1969) --staggered terms (board of commissioners)." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

1986

  1. Nov 4, 1986 County Laws and rules Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Wayne County: Staggered terms (board of commissioners)

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for North Carolina records an objection letter dated November 4, 1986, to Wayne County. The list describes the change as "Chapter 476, S.B. No. 303 (1965)--staggered terms (board of commissioners)." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  2. Oct 27, 1986 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Martin County School District: Residency district requirement

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for North Carolina records an objection letter dated October 27, 1986, to Martin County School District. The list describes the change as "Chapter 380 (1971)--residency district requirement." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  3. May 12, 1986 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Onslow County School District: Residency districts

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for North Carolina records an objection letter dated May 12, 1986, to Onslow County School District. The list describes the change as "Chapter 525, H.B. No. 1284 (1977)--residency districts." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  4. May 5, 1986 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Pitt County School District

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for North Carolina records an objection letter dated May 5, 1986, to Pitt County School District. The list describes the change as "Chapter 2, H.B. No. 29 (1985)--which provides for the consolidation of the Pitt County School District and the Greenville City School District, the appointment of a twelve-member interim board, the election of a twelve-member permanent board, and the method of election (eight residency districts and one multi-member residency district electing four members by a plurality vote to staggered, six-year terms of office); Chapter 495, H.B. No. 1397 (1985)--which provides for the increase from twelve to fifteen appointed members to the interim consolidated board; Chapter 360, H.B. No. 769 (1971)--which changed the appointed Pitt County board to a nine-member board elected at large on a nonpartisan basis from residency districts with a plurality vote requirement to six-year, staggered terms, and specified the election schedule." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  5. Mar 10, 1986 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Elizabeth City (Pasquotank County): Four single-member districts and four at large with residency districts

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for North Carolina records an objection letter dated March 10, 1986, to Elizabeth City (Pasquotank County). The list describes the change as "Method of election--four single-member districts and four at large with residency districts; districting plan and implementation schedule." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  6. Mar 10, 1986 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Elizabeth City (Pasquotank County): Four single-member districts and four at large with residency districts

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for North Carolina records an objection letter dated March 10, 1986, to Elizabeth City (Pasquotank County). The list describes the change as "Method of election--four single-member districts and four at large with residency districts; districting plan and implementation schedule." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  7. Mar 10, 1986 County Laws and rules Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects to Wilson County's election method and districting plan

    On March 10, 1986 the Justice Department wrote that it "must object" to the election method, districting plan and implementation schedule submitted by Wilson County.

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

1985

  1. Apr 29, 1985 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Fayetteville (Cumberland County): Twenty-nine annexations

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for North Carolina records an objection letter dated April 29, 1985, to Fayetteville (Cumberland County). The list describes the change as "Twenty-nine annexations." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  2. Apr 8, 1985 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Cumberland County School District: Implementation schedule for the consolidated school district

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for North Carolina records an objection letter dated April 8, 1985, to Cumberland County School District. The list describes the change as "Implementation schedule for the consolidated school district." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

1984

  1. Sep 21, 1984 County Polling places and drop boxes Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects to Robeson County precinct consolidation and closing the South Smiths polling place

    On September 21, 1984 the Justice Department wrote that it "must object" to the consolidation of voting precincts and the elimination of the South Smiths polling place in Robeson County. The Department's list notes the objection was withdrawn January 28, 1985.

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  2. May 16, 1984 County Laws and rules Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects to Halifax County's at-large commissioner elections with a larger board

    On May 16, 1984 the Justice Department interposed an objection to a 1971 law (Chapter 681) that readopted Halifax County's at-large election system for county commissioners while raising the board from five to six members.

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  3. Feb 21, 1984 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Rocky Mount (Edgecombe and Nash Counties): Eleven annexations

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for North Carolina records an objection letter dated February 21, 1984, to Rocky Mount (Edgecombe and Nash Counties). The list describes the change as "Eleven annexations." The list adds the note "Withdrawn 5-9-85 upon change in method of election." The list links the objection letter.

    Counties: Edgecombe County, Nash County

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  4. Jan 16, 1984 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Edgecombe County School District: Establishment of residency districts and the election of six members from residency districts

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for North Carolina records an objection letter dated January 16, 1984, to Edgecombe County School District. The list describes the change as "Establishment of residency districts and the election of six members from residency districts." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

1983

  1. Mar 28, 1983 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Windsor (Bertie County): Establishment of residency districts for the election of commissioners and to the districting plan

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for North Carolina records an objection letter dated March 28, 1983, to Windsor (Bertie County). The list describes the change as "Establishment of residency districts for the election of commissioners and to the districting plan." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

1982

  1. Dec 21, 1982 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in New Bern (Craven County): Annexation

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for North Carolina records an objection letter dated December 21, 1982, to New Bern (Craven County). The list describes the change as "Annexation." The list adds the note "Withdrawn 9-22-83 after change in method of election." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  2. Jun 21, 1982 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Greensboro (Guilford County): Three annexations

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for North Carolina records an objection letter dated June 21, 1982, to Greensboro (Guilford County). The list describes the change as "Three annexations." The list adds the note "Withdrawn 4-8-83 upon change in method of election." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  3. Apr 19, 1982 State Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects to revised 1982 Senate and House redistricting

    The Justice Department's list records an April 19, 1982 objection to S.B. 1 and H.B. 1, the Senate and House redistricting bills.

    Related: Justice Department objects to 1981 North Carolina Senate and congressional redistricting · Supreme Court decides Thornburg v. Gingles

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  4. Mar 1, 1982 County Laws and rules Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects to residency districts for Guilford County commissioners

    On March 1, 1982 the Justice Department objected to establishing residency districts for electing Guilford County commissioners, noting single-shot voting, racially polarized voting and the maintenance of an at-large system. It reasoned that, in the context of an at-large system and racially polarized voting, residency districts decrease opportunities for minority voters to elect a representative of their choice.

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  5. Jan 20, 1982 State Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects to the 1981 House reapportionment

    The Justice Department's list records a January 20, 1982 objection to Chapter 1130 (1981), the House reapportionment.

    Related: Justice Department objects to 1981 North Carolina Senate and congressional redistricting

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

1981

  1. Dec 7, 1981 State Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects to 1981 North Carolina Senate and congressional redistricting

    The Justice Department's list records a December 7, 1981 objection to Chapters 821 and 894 (1981), the Senate and congressional redistricting laws. The letter says it also interposed an objection to the congressional redistricting insofar as it affects the covered counties.

    Related: Justice Department objects to the 1981 House reapportionment · Justice Department objects to revised 1982 Senate and House redistricting

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

1980

  1. Sep 29, 1980 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in New Bern (Craven County): Two annexations

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for North Carolina records an objection letter dated September 29, 1980, to New Bern (Craven County). The list describes the change as "Two annexations." The list adds the note "Withdrawn 10-5-81." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  2. Apr 7, 1980 County Laws and rules Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Greenville (Pitt County): Majority vote requirement

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for North Carolina records an objection letter dated April 7, 1980, to Greenville (Pitt County). The list describes the change as "Majority vote requirement." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

1979

  1. Aug 3, 1979 County Laws and rules Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Reidsville (Rockingham County): Staggered terms

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for North Carolina records an objection letter dated August 3, 1979, to Reidsville (Rockingham County). The list describes the change as "Staggered terms." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

1978

  1. Dec 12, 1978 County Laws and rules Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects to Laurinburg's majority vote requirement

    On December 12, 1978 the Justice Department did not object to an increase in voting precincts in Laurinburg, Scotland County, but objected to its majority vote requirement and the separation of contests for two-year and four-year council terms. The letter noted blacks were about 37 percent of the city's population, the council was elected at large, and racial bloc voting appeared to exist.

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  2. Jan 3, 1978 County Polling places and drop boxes Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects to a polling place change in Elizabeth City

    On January 3, 1978 the Justice Department objected to the Pasquotank County Board of Elections' change of the polling place for Precinct 4-A in Elizabeth City. The letter said the department was unable to conclude the change lacked a racially discriminatory effect, and noted the board gave differing reasons: that the property had been sold, and that the building was unsuitable for the voting machines.

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

1977

  1. Dec 9, 1977 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Rocky Mount (Edgecombe County): Thirty-six annexations

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for North Carolina records an objection letter dated December 9, 1977, to Rocky Mount (Edgecombe County). The list describes the change as "Thirty-six annexations." The list adds the note "Withdrawn 6-9-78." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  2. Feb 4, 1977 County Laws and rules Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Williamston (Martin County): Staggered terms

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for North Carolina records an objection letter dated February 4, 1977, to Williamston (Martin County). The list describes the change as "Staggered terms." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

1975

  1. Dec 29, 1975 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Robeson County School District: At-large elections

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for North Carolina records an objection letter dated December 29, 1975, to Robeson County School District. The list describes the change as "Chapter 770 (1969)--at-large elections; staggered terms; voter qualifications." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  2. Oct 22, 1975 County Laws and rules In effect

    Jackson County becomes subject to preclearance

    The Justice Department's table lists Jackson County, North Carolina as covered with a determination published at 40 Fed. Reg. 49422 on October 22, 1975, the fortieth North Carolina county on the list.

    Related: Twenty-six North Carolina counties become subject to Voting Rights Act preclearance

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  3. Sep 23, 1975 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Craven County School District: Redistricting

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for North Carolina records an objection letter dated September 23, 1975, to Craven County School District. The list describes the change as "Chapter 837 (1967)--redistricting; method of election." The list adds the note "Withdrawn 3-15-76." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  4. Jun 2, 1975 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Lumberton City School District (Robeson County): Three annexations

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for North Carolina records an objection letter dated June 2, 1975, to Lumberton City School District (Robeson County). The list describes the change as "Chapter 636 "A" Addition (1967); Chapter 638 (1967), as amended by Chapter 687 (1971); Chapter 443, as repealed and re-enacted by Chapter 611 (1969)--three annexations." The list adds the note "Objection Withdrawn 9-27-82 to Chapter 636 'A' Addition (1967); and Chapter 638 (1967), as amended by Chapter 687 (1971)--two annexations." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

1971

  1. Jul 30, 1971 State Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects to numbered seats in North Carolina's multimember legislative districts

    In a letter of July 30, 1971 to the State Board of Elections, the Justice Department wrote that it could not conclude that the requirement to run for a numbered seat in some multimember legislative districts under Chapter 1063 of the 1967 session laws "does not have the effect of minimizing the voting strength of black citizens living in those districts," and objected to the continued implementation of Chapter 1063 in the 39 counties covered by Section 5. In a letter of September 27, 1971 it objected to House Bill 1503 and Senate Bill 995 so far as they made Chapter 1063 apply to those 39 counties, and did not object to the other bills submitted with them.

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  2. Mar 18, 1971 State Laws and rules Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects to North Carolina's literacy test for registration

    The Justice Department's list records objections dated March 18 and April 20, 1971 to the State's literacy test for registration.

    Related: Supreme Court decides Oregon v. Mitchell

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  3. Mar 17, 1971 County Laws and rules Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects to Plymouth's at-large election of city councilors

    On March 17, 1971 the Justice Department objected to an at-large method of electing city council members in the Town of Plymouth, Washington County, adopted in 1967. The letter cited the Supreme Court's view in Allen v. State Board of Elections that dilution of voting power can abridge the right to vote.

    Related: Supreme Court decides Allen v. State Board of Elections

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

1969

  1. Jun 2, 1969 County Courts and officials Upheld

    Supreme Court rules Gaston County may not reinstate its literacy test

    In Gaston County v. United States, decided June 2, 1969, the Court affirmed a three-judge court's refusal to restore the county's literacy test, which had been suspended under the Voting Rights Act. The district court held that the county had not shown its use of the test, "in the context of its historic maintenance of segregated and unequal schools, did not discriminatorily deprive Negroes of the franchise."

    Related: Voting Rights Act of 1965 signed into law

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

1966

  1. 1966 County Laws and rules In effect

    Thirteen more North Carolina counties are added to preclearance coverage in 1966

    The Justice Department's table lists the following counties as covered based on a November 1, 1964 trigger date, with determinations published in the Federal Register in January to March 1966 (31 Fed. Reg. 19, 3317 and 5081): Martin, Washington, Camden, Perquimans, Beaufort, Bladen, Cleveland, Gaston, Guilford, Harnett, Lee, Rockingham, Union.

    Counties: Martin County, Washington County, Camden County, Perquimans County, Beaufort County, Bladen County, Cleveland County, Gaston County, Guilford County, Harnett County, Lee County, Rockingham County, Union County

    Related: Twenty-six North Carolina counties become subject to Voting Rights Act preclearance

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

1965

  1. Aug 7, 1965 County Laws and rules In effect

    Twenty-six North Carolina counties become subject to Voting Rights Act preclearance

    The Justice Department's table of previously covered jurisdictions lists 26 North Carolina counties as covered based on a November 1, 1964 trigger date, with the determination published at 30 Fed. Reg. 9897 on August 7, 1965: Anson, Bertie, Caswell, Chowan, Craven, Cumberland, Edgecombe, Franklin, Gates, Granville, Greene, Halifax, Hertford, Hoke, Lenoir, Nash, Northampton, Onslow, Pasquotank, Person, Pitt, Robeson, Scotland, Vance, Wayne, Wilson. The state itself was not covered.

    Counties: Anson County, Bertie County, Caswell County, Chowan County, Craven County, Cumberland County, Edgecombe County, Franklin County, Gates County, Granville County, Greene County, Halifax County, Hertford County, Hoke County, Lenoir County, Nash County, Northampton County, Onslow County, Pasquotank County, Person County, Pitt County, Robeson County, Scotland County, Vance County, Wayne County, Wilson County

    Related: Voting Rights Act of 1965 signed into law

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

Nationwide

2026

  1. Oct 26, 2026 National Courts and officials Pending

    Homeland Security appeals the injunction on its election field operations to the Ninth Circuit

    On October 26, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security, its component agencies and the officials named in California Nurses Association v. Mullin (N.D. Cal., No. 4:26-cv-10680) filed a notice of appeal to the Ninth Circuit from Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín's October 21 order granting a preliminary injunction against certain election-related field operations in nine states.

    Related: Federal judge bars Homeland Security election field operations aimed at people believed to be citizens in nine states

    Source last checked Oct 27, 2026

  2. Oct 23, 2026 National Courts and officials Pending

    Democratic plaintiffs ask for fast-tracked discovery in their suit over federal pressure on election officials

    On October 23, 2026, the plaintiffs in DSCC v. Trump (No. 1:26-cv-03674-JEB, U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia) filed a motion for expedited discovery. The plaintiffs are the DSCC, the DCCC, the Democratic Governors Association, Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem S. Jeffries, the Nevada State Democratic Party and Erick Jose Jimenez. The motion asks for all non-privileged communications the defendants have sent since July 1, 2026 to state or local election officials demanding or requesting that they remove specific registered voters from statewide lists, refuse ballots to specific voters, or set aside or not count ballots returned by specific voters, plus answers to interrogatories. It says the plaintiffs are "seriously contemplating" a request for emergency relief before the November 3 election, and cites an October 21, 2026 order allowing narrow expedited discovery in NAACP v. DHS in the same court.

    Related: Democratic leaders and party committees sue to bar federal orders removing voters or holding back ballots

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  3. Oct 21, 2026 National Courts and officials Blocked by a court

    Federal judge bars Homeland Security election field operations aimed at people believed to be citizens in nine states

    On October 21, 2026, Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California granted a preliminary injunction in California Nurses Association v. Mullin (No. 4:26-cv-10680), a suit by the California Nurses Association, National Nurses United, the City and County of San Francisco, the County of Santa Clara and the Voto Latino Foundation. The order says that in August 2026 the Department of Homeland Security started an "Unlawful Voter Initiative" that had Citizenship and Immigration Services build lists of people to investigate, and that an August 31 guidance told agents to prioritize field questioning about voter eligibility in California, Connecticut, Georgia, Missouri, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, Washington and Wisconsin. The court enjoined the department from election-related field operations and interviews in those nine states that involve people it knows, suspects or should reasonably suspect are U.S. citizens, and from field operations there based wholly on records from its voter eligibility matching. The order runs until polls close on November 3, 2026, and was stayed until 5 p.m. on October 23, 2026.

    Related: Homeland Security appeals the injunction on its election field operations to the Ninth Circuit

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  4. Oct 20, 2026 National Polling places and drop boxes Reported

    Justice Department begins notifying counties it wants to monitor on Election Day 2026

    NPR reported on October 21, 2026 that the Justice Department began notifying counties it wants to monitor on Election Day starting Tuesday, October 20. NPR confirmed notices to Adams County, Colorado; seven counties in Texas; King County, Washington; Miami-Dade County, Florida; and Hennepin and Ramsey counties in Minnesota. NPR reports that state officials were at first not notified at the same time as counties, and that a department spokesperson said it prioritizes places with competitive elections and would monitor Adams County because it is covered by Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act. Colorado's Secretary of State's office told NPR it was considering how to respond, since state rules require observers to have its permission unless a court orders otherwise.

    Related: Justice Department tells Marion County it will send election monitors on November 3; Lake County also named · Justice Department plans election monitors in Bibb, Chatham, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett counties · Washington County Election Commission votes to keep Justice Department monitors out of polling places

    Source last checked Oct 22, 2026

  5. Oct 15, 2026 National Courts and officials Withdrawn

    Appeals in the Massachusetts Executive Order 14399 and Postal Service cases are voluntarily dismissed

    On October 15, 2026, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit entered judgment in Nos. 26-1987, 26-1988, 26-1989 and 26-1991, appeals in State of California v. United States Postal Service and League of Women Voters of Massachusetts v. Trump. Upon the appellants' unopposed motions, the court ordered "that these appeals be voluntarily dismissed" under Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 42(b)(2), with the mandate to issue forthwith. The judgment was entered on the district court docket on October 16, 2026.

    Related: Federal court in Massachusetts enjoins Postal Service implementation of Section 3 of Executive Order 14399 · First Circuit refuses to stay the Massachusetts preliminary injunction against parts of the Postal Service ballot-mail rule

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  6. Oct 9, 2026 National Courts and officials Decided by a court

    Federal court vacates Justice Department voter-roll policy in Common Cause v. Department of Justice

    On October 9, 2026, Judge Sparkle Sooknanan of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia granted summary judgment to the plaintiffs, who challenged a Civil Rights Division policy of demanding state voter registration lists and urging removals. The opinion says "The Court therefore sets aside and vacates the challenged policy under the Administrative Procedure Act." The Justice Department argued it has statutory authority for the policy.

    Related: Justice Department sues Oregon and Maine for statewide voter registration lists · Justice Department's voter roll lawsuits reach 29 states and the District of Columbia

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  7. October 2026 National Courts and officials Pending

    Democratic leaders and party committees sue to bar federal orders removing voters or holding back ballots

    The Associated Press reported on October 21, 2026 that Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and the Democratic Governors Association sued in federal court in Washington (the AP says the suit was filed Tuesday, October 20). The suit names President Trump, the Justice Department, Attorney General Todd Blanche, the Department of Homeland Security and Secretary Markwayne Mullin. It asks for an order barring the administration from removing legally registered voters from statewide voter lists or denying ballots to them, and a ruling that the administration illegally threatened state election officials with prosecution. It cites the Justice Department's suit over California mail ballots. The AP reports the case was assigned to Chief Judge James Boasberg and that the Justice Department said its actions are grounded in law.

    Related: Justice Department sues California over about 20,000 registrants it calls likely noncitizens · Democratic plaintiffs ask for fast-tracked discovery in their suit over federal pressure on election officials

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  8. Sep 25, 2026 National Courts and officials Decided by a court

    Supreme Court grants stay in Department of Homeland Security v. League of Women Voters, on voter citizenship checks

    On September 25, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court, in a per curiam order on an application for stay, granted the government's request in a case about the modified SAVE program, which lets state and local agencies check the citizenship status of registered voters against Social Security Administration records. The Court said it was "likely to reverse the District Court's holding that the federal defendants violated the Social Security Act, the Privacy Act, and the APA." The order says that Executive Order 14248 directed the Department of Homeland Security to put new systems in place for that purpose.

    Related: President signs Executive Order 14248 on federal elections

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  9. Sep 18, 2026 National Polling places and drop boxes Pending

    Civil rights and labor groups sue over possible federal immigration agents near polling places

    On September 18, 2026, a coalition of nine civil rights and union groups sued in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to prevent the deployment of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to polling locations in November. States Newsroom reported it as the second such suit that month. The groups argue the policy violates the federal law that bars "armed men" at election sites and the Voting Rights Act's bar on intimidation. A Justice Department spokesperson said: "The DOJ has never said it would send federal law enforcement to polling locations." A Homeland Security spokesperson said ICE was not planning operations that targeted polling locations. No ruling is recorded here.

    Related: Latino and voting groups and the City of Denver sue over armed immigration agents at polling places · Arlington County sues to keep armed federal agents away from its polling places

    Source last checked Oct 21, 2026

  10. Sep 13, 2026 National Courts and officials Blocked by a court

    Federal court in Washington enjoins the Postal Service ballot mail rule

    On September 13, 2026, Judge Carl Nichols of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia granted preliminary injunctions against the Postal Service's final ballot-mail rule in three consolidated cases. The opinion says "no statute grants the Postal Service the power to issue key parts of the Rule" and that plaintiffs are likely to succeed on their claim that the rule was ultra vires.

    Related: President signs Executive Order 14399 on citizenship verification and mail ballots · Postal Service issues final rule on ballot mail for federal elections · Federal court in Washington denies preliminary injunctions against Executive Order 14399

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  11. Sep 10, 2026 National Maps and lines Proposed

    Census Bureau proposes residence criteria for the 2030 census that would exclude some noncitizens from the apportionment count

    On September 10, 2026 the Census Bureau, an agency of the Department of Commerce, published a proposed rule in the Federal Register (91 FR 57524, Docket No. 260903-0005, RIN 0607-AA75) that would add two new parts to the Code of Federal Regulations: residence criteria for the decennial census, and standards and restrictions for demographic questions on the census questionnaire. On residence, the notice states that "the Census Bureau proposes to include lawful permanent residents within the apportionment base, while excluding from the apportionment base illegal aliens and aliens whose legal status is less durable and indefinite in length than lawful permanent resident status," and says it is considering using administrative records to determine legal status. The comment period, first set to end October 13, 2026, was extended to November 2, 2026 by a notice published October 5, 2026. Al Jazeera and CNBC reported on the proposal, and CNBC reported that opponents expect litigation.

    Source last checked Oct 22, 2026

  12. Sep 10, 2026 National Polling places and drop boxes Pending

    Latino and voting groups and the City of Denver sue over armed immigration agents at polling places

    On September 10, 2026, the League of United Latin American Citizens, Common Cause, Common Cause Education Fund, UnidosUS and the City and County of Denver, Colorado filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia (No. 1:26-cv-03157) against the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and their leaders. The complaint alleges that the Homeland Security Secretary's statements of September 1, 2026 set a policy of authorizing armed Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers to go to polling places, which the plaintiffs say violates 18 U.S.C. § 592, the law that bars federal officials from keeping "any troops or armed men at any place where a general or special election is held" except to repel armed enemies of the United States. No ruling is recorded in this entry.

    Related: Civil rights and labor groups sue over possible federal immigration agents near polling places

    Source last checked Oct 21, 2026

  13. Sep 10, 2026 National Courts and officials Blocked by a court

    First Circuit refuses to stay the Massachusetts preliminary injunction against parts of the Postal Service ballot-mail rule

    On September 4, 2026, Judge Indira Talwani of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts entered a memorandum and order granting the plaintiffs' motions for a preliminary injunction in League of Women Voters of Massachusetts v. Trump and the related states' case (Nos. 1:26-cv-11549 and 1:26-cv-13917), and the federal defendants and twelve intervening states appealed the same day. On September 10, 2026, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit (Nos. 26-2029 to 26-2032) denied the motions for a stay. Its order says the district court concluded the final rule was likely unconstitutional and found it would be impossible for states to comply in the time left before November 3, and that the appellants "have failed to meet their burden for disturbing any aspect of the district court's preliminary injunction order." The Postal Service's request for an administrative stay was denied as moot.

    Related: Federal court in Massachusetts temporarily stays parts of the Postal Service ballot-mail rule for the 2026 election · Postal Service issues final rule on ballot mail for federal elections · Appeals in the Massachusetts Executive Order 14399 and Postal Service cases are voluntarily dismissed

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  14. Aug 27, 2026 National Courts and officials Blocked by a court

    Federal court in Massachusetts temporarily stays parts of the Postal Service ballot-mail rule for the 2026 election

    On August 27, 2026, Judge Indira Talwani of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts granted in part the plaintiffs' motions for a temporary restraining order in League of Women Voters of Massachusetts v. Trump (No. 1:26-cv-11549) and State of California v. United States Postal Service (No. 1:26-cv-13917). The court granted "an emergency fourteen-day stay" of listed sections of the final rule as to elections on or before November 3, 2026, including the sections making the ballot mail envelope standards and registration in the Postal Service Federal Ballot Mail Portal mandatory, and ordered that the Postal Service defendants "may take no further preparatory steps" to implement them for those elections. The motions for preliminary injunctions remained under advisement.

    Related: Postal Service issues final rule on ballot mail for federal elections · Federal court in Massachusetts finds the government violated its injunction by issuing the Postal Service ballot-mail rule · First Circuit refuses to stay the Massachusetts preliminary injunction against parts of the Postal Service ballot-mail rule

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  15. Aug 26, 2026 National Laws and rules Blocked by a court

    Postal Service issues final rule on ballot mail for federal elections

    The Postal Service's final rule "Ballot Mail for Federal Elections" was published August 26, 2026 and states that it is effective August 21, 2026. It says it responds to Executive Order 14399 and received "more than 200,000 responses" during the comment period. The rule says that, because of injunctions in two Massachusetts cases, the Postal Service "will not take actions to implement the rule specifically for the 2026 election" unless the government obtains relief from them. On September 13, 2026, a federal court in Washington granted preliminary injunctions against the rule.

    Related: President signs Executive Order 14399 on citizenship verification and mail ballots · Postal Service proposes a rule on ballot mail for federal elections · Federal court in Washington enjoins the Postal Service ballot mail rule · Federal court in Massachusetts finds the government violated its injunction by issuing the Postal Service ballot-mail rule · Federal court in Massachusetts temporarily stays parts of the Postal Service ballot-mail rule for the 2026 election · First Circuit refuses to stay the Massachusetts preliminary injunction against parts of the Postal Service ballot-mail rule

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  16. Aug 25, 2026 National Courts and officials Decided by a court

    Federal court in Massachusetts finds the government violated its injunction by issuing the Postal Service ballot-mail rule

    On August 25, 2026, Judge Indira Talwani of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts ruled on an emergency motion to enforce the preliminary injunction in League of Women Voters of Massachusetts v. Trump (No. 1:26-cv-11549). The order says the Postal Service completed rulemaking on Friday evening, August 21, 2026, by sending a final rule implementing Section 3 of Executive Order 14399 to the Office of the Federal Register, although the injunction barred "initiating or completing rulemaking" for the November 3, 2026 election. The court "finds that Defendants violated the court's Preliminary Injunction but imposes no remedy other than identifying the violation."

    Related: Federal court in Massachusetts enjoins Postal Service implementation of Section 3 of Executive Order 14399 · Postal Service issues final rule on ballot mail for federal elections · Federal court in Massachusetts temporarily stays parts of the Postal Service ballot-mail rule for the 2026 election

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  17. Aug 24, 2026 National Courts and officials Decided by a court

    Supreme Court stays the Massachusetts injunction against parts of Executive Order 14399 in Trump v. California

    On August 24, 2026, in No. 26A124 (with No. 26A139), the Supreme Court granted the Government's application for a stay in a per curiam opinion. The Court wrote that "the Government is likely to prevail on the merits of its argument that the District Court lacked jurisdiction to enter the judgment," because the Order "imposes no obligations on the States" and the States had not shown an injury that gives them standing. The injunction entered in No. 1:26-cv-11581 (D. Mass.) is stayed pending appeal to the First Circuit and any petition for certiorari. The Court added that its ruling "does not mean that any measure taken by the Government to implement the Order will necessarily be lawful." Justices Sotomayor and Jackson filed dissents. The application in No. 26A139 was denied as moot.

    Related: Federal court in Massachusetts declares parts of Executive Order 14399 void in a suit by states · President signs Executive Order 14399 on citizenship verification and mail ballots

    Source last checked Oct 21, 2026

  18. Aug 17, 2026 National Courts and officials Pending

    Justice Department appeals the dismissal of its District of Columbia voter-list suit

    On August 17, 2026, the United States filed a notice of appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit from the August 6, 2026 memorandum opinion and order denying its motion to compel records in United States v. Evans (No. 1:25-cv-04403).

    Related: Federal judge dismisses the Justice Department's suit for the District of Columbia's voter registration list

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  19. Aug 11, 2026 National Courts and officials Blocked by a court

    Federal court in Massachusetts enjoins Postal Service implementation of Section 3 of Executive Order 14399

    On August 11, 2026, Judge Indira Talwani of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts granted a renewed motion for a preliminary injunction in League of Women Voters of Massachusetts v. Trump. As to elections on or before November 3, 2026, the court "ENJOINS the USPS's implementation of Section 3 of the EO."

    Related: President signs Executive Order 14399 on citizenship verification and mail ballots · Federal court in Massachusetts declares parts of Executive Order 14399 void in a suit by states · Postal Service issues final rule on ballot mail for federal elections · Federal court in Massachusetts finds the government violated its injunction by issuing the Postal Service ballot-mail rule · Appeals in the Massachusetts Executive Order 14399 and Postal Service cases are voluntarily dismissed

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  20. Aug 6, 2026 National Courts and officials Decided by a court

    Federal judge dismisses the Justice Department's suit for the District of Columbia's voter registration list

    On August 6, 2026, Judge Randolph D. Moss of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia denied the United States' motion to compel in United States v. Evans (No. 1:25-cv-04403), dismissed the case, and denied the defendants' and intervenors' motions to dismiss as moot, stating that the order was a final judgment. The order refers to a memorandum opinion filed the same day. The lead defendant is Monica H. Evans, executive director of the District of Columbia Board of Elections.

    Related: Justice Department's voter roll lawsuits reach 29 states and the District of Columbia

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  21. Jul 22, 2026 National Laws and rules Failed

    House passes bill with a photo-ID voting requirement; Senate cloture vote fails, 53-47, on September 30, 2026

    On July 22, 2026, the House passed H.R. 7008, the Stop Insider Trading Act, by 232 to 198 (Roll no. 280). Section 3 of the House-passed text is titled "Requiring voters to provide photo identification." On September 30, 2026, the Senate voted 53 to 47 on cloture on the motion to proceed, and the bill record says cloture was "not invoked" (Record Vote 253).

    Related: House passes SAVE America Act text as an amendment to S. 1383, 218-213

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  22. Jun 29, 2026 National Courts and officials Decided by a court

    Supreme Court decides Watson v. Republican National Committee

    On June 29, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court held that "The federal election-day statutes do not prevent Mississippi from counting absentee ballots postmarked by election day but received up to five days thereafter; nothing in the federal election-day statutes requires ballots to be received by election day."

    Related: Supreme Court decides Bost v. Illinois State Board of Elections

    Source last checked Oct 22, 2026

  23. Jun 25, 2026 National Courts and officials Blocked by a court

    Federal court in Massachusetts declares parts of Executive Order 14399 void in a suit by states

    On June 25, 2026, Judge Indira Talwani of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts granted summary judgment to a group of states and the District of Columbia. The court ordered and declared that "Sections 2 and 3 of the EO are legally void as they are ultra vires and unconstitutionally violate the separation of powers, and that Section 5 of the EO is merely precatory," and enjoined agencies from implementing Sections 2 and 3 for the November 3, 2026 or any earlier federal election in the plaintiff states.

    Related: President signs Executive Order 14399 on citizenship verification and mail ballots · Federal court in Massachusetts enjoins Postal Service implementation of Section 3 of Executive Order 14399

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  24. Jun 2, 2026 National Laws and rules Proposed

    Postal Service proposes a rule on ballot mail for federal elections

    On June 2, 2026, the Postal Service published a proposed rule, "Ballot Mail for Federal Elections," to amend its Domestic Mail Manual on the transmission of mail-in or absentee ballots for federal elections. The final rule says the comment period closed on July 2, 2026.

    Related: President signs Executive Order 14399 on citizenship verification and mail ballots · Postal Service issues final rule on ballot mail for federal elections

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  25. May 28, 2026 National Courts and officials Decided by a court

    Federal court in Washington denies preliminary injunctions against Executive Order 14399

    On May 28, 2026, Judge Carl Nichols of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia denied motions for preliminary injunctions in three consolidated cases against Executive Order 14399. On the postal-rulemaking provision the court wrote that, because the Postal Service had not yet issued a proposed rule, "Plaintiffs' claims are not ripe."

    Related: President signs Executive Order 14399 on citizenship verification and mail ballots · Federal court in Washington enjoins the Postal Service ballot mail rule

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  26. May 18, 2026 National Courts and officials Decided by a court

    Supreme Court vacates the Eighth Circuit judgment in Turtle Mountain v. Howe and remands in light of Louisiana v. Callais

    On May 18, 2026, the Supreme Court granted the petition in No. 25-253, vacated the Eighth Circuit's judgment and remanded the case for further consideration in light of Louisiana v. Callais. Justice Jackson dissented, writing that the case "presents only the question of Section 2's private enforceability, which our decision in Louisiana v. Callais ... did not address," and that she would summarily reverse. The docket records the Court's judgment as issued on June 22, 2026.

    Related: Eighth Circuit holds private plaintiffs cannot use Section 1983 to enforce Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act · Supreme Court stays Eighth Circuit mandate in Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians v. Howe · Supreme Court decides Louisiana v. Callais · Supreme Court vacates the Eighth Circuit judgment and remands in light of Louisiana v. Callais

    Source last checked Oct 21, 2026

  27. Apr 29, 2026 National Courts and officials Decided by a court

    Supreme Court decides Louisiana v. Callais

    On April 29, 2026, after reargument on October 15, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court held: "Because the Voting Rights Act did not require Louisiana to create an additional majority-minority district, no compelling interest justified the State's use of race in creating SB8, and that map is an unconstitutional racial gerrymander."

    Related: Supreme Court decides Allen v. Milligan · Voting Rights Act Amendments of 1982 become law · Supreme Court decides Thornburg v. Gingles

    Source last checked Oct 22, 2026

  28. Mar 31, 2026 National Laws and rules In effect

    President signs Executive Order 14399 on citizenship verification and mail ballots

    Executive Order 14399, "Ensuring Citizenship Verification and Integrity in Federal Elections," is dated March 31, 2026 and was published in the Federal Register on April 3, 2026. Section 2 directs the Department of Homeland Security to compile and transmit to each state a "State Citizenship List." Section 3 directs the Postmaster General to begin a rulemaking on mail-in and absentee ballots within 60 days. Courts later enjoined parts of the Postal Service rule that followed.

    Related: Postal Service issues final rule on ballot mail for federal elections · Federal court in Washington denies preliminary injunctions against Executive Order 14399 · Federal court in Washington enjoins the Postal Service ballot mail rule · Federal court in Massachusetts declares parts of Executive Order 14399 void in a suit by states · Federal court in Massachusetts enjoins Postal Service implementation of Section 3 of Executive Order 14399

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  29. Feb 26, 2026 National Courts and officials Pending

    Justice Department's voter roll lawsuits reach 29 states and the District of Columbia

    On February 26, 2026, the Justice Department announced lawsuits against Utah, Oklahoma, Kentucky, West Virginia and New Jersey over their full voter registration lists. Court outcomes in the individual suits are not recorded in this entry. The release says this "brings the Justice Department's nationwide total to 29 states and the District of Columbia."

    Related: Justice Department sues Oregon and Maine for statewide voter registration lists · Federal court vacates Justice Department voter-roll policy in Common Cause v. Department of Justice · Federal judge dismisses the Justice Department's suit for Colorado's voter registration list · Federal judge dismisses the Justice Department's suit for Connecticut's voter registration list · Federal judge dismisses the Justice Department's suit for Arizona's voter registration list · Federal judge dismisses the Justice Department's suit for the District of Columbia's voter registration list

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  30. Feb 11, 2026 National Laws and rules Failed

    House passes SAVE America Act text as an amendment to S. 1383, 218-213

    On February 11, 2026, the House passed S. 1383 with an amendment in the nature of a substitute, by 218 to 213 (Roll no. 69). The House-passed text is titled the "SAVE America Act." On March 17, 2026, the Senate agreed 51 to 48 to a motion to proceed to the House message on S. 1383 (Record Vote 57). On March 21, 2026, a cloture vote on a related motion was "not invoked" by 41 to 49 (Record Vote 61). The bill record lists no final Senate vote, and it did not become law.

    Related: House passes SAVE Act, 220-208; Senate does not act · House passes bill with a photo-ID voting requirement; Senate cloture vote fails, 53-47, on September 30, 2026

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  31. Jan 14, 2026 National Courts and officials Decided by a court

    Supreme Court decides Bost v. Illinois State Board of Elections

    On January 14, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court held that "As a candidate for office, Congressman Bost has standing to challenge the rules that govern the counting of votes in his election."

    Related: Supreme Court decides Watson v. Republican National Committee

    Source last checked Oct 22, 2026

2025

  1. Nov 24, 2025 National Laws and rules In effect

    Postal Service adds a Domestic Mail Manual section defining postmarks

    On November 24, 2025, the Postal Service published a final rule adding section 608.11, "Postmarks and Postal Possession," to the Domestic Mail Manual, effective December 24, 2025. It says the new language "does not change any existing postal operations or postmarking practices" and is intended to improve public understanding of postmarks and the date of mailing.

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  2. Oct 31, 2025 National Courts and officials Blocked by a court

    Federal court permanently bars the Election Assistance Commission from implementing Section 2(a) of Executive Order 14248

    On October 31, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia granted partial summary judgment to the plaintiffs and permanently enjoined the Election Assistance Commission, its commissioners and its executive director from implementing Section 2(a) of Executive Order 14248. The court wrote that "this Court holds that the President lacks the authority to direct such changes" to federal election procedures.

    Related: President signs Executive Order 14248 on federal elections · Federal court in Washington blocks parts of Executive Order 14248

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  3. Oct 24, 2025 National Polling places and drop boxes In effect

    Justice Department announces it will monitor polling sites in six California and New Jersey counties

    On October 24, 2025, the Justice Department announced that it would monitor polling sites ahead of the November 4, 2025 general election in six jurisdictions: Passaic County, New Jersey, and Kern, Riverside, Fresno, Orange and Los Angeles counties, California. The release says the Civil Rights Division would deploy personnel who would coordinate with U.S. Attorney's Offices.

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  4. Sep 16, 2025 National Courts and officials Pending

    Justice Department sues Oregon and Maine for statewide voter registration lists

    On September 16, 2025, the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division announced lawsuits against Oregon and Maine and their secretaries of state, alleging violations of the National Voter Registration Act, the Help America Vote Act and the Civil Rights Act of 1960 by refusing to provide unredacted statewide voter registration lists and information on voter list maintenance. Court outcomes in the individual suits are not recorded in this entry.

    Related: Justice Department's voter roll lawsuits reach 29 states and the District of Columbia · Federal court vacates Justice Department voter-roll policy in Common Cause v. Department of Justice

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  5. Jul 24, 2025 National Courts and officials Decided by a court

    Supreme Court stays Eighth Circuit mandate in Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians v. Howe

    On July 24, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court granted an application in No. 25A62, staying the issuance of the mandate of the Eighth Circuit in No. 23-3655 pending the filing and disposition of a petition for certiorari. Justices Thomas, Alito and Gorsuch would have denied it. The applicants wrote that "private plaintiffs can no longer enforce Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) in the Eighth Circuit" as a result of the decision below. Later steps in the case are not recorded in this entry.

    Related: Voting Rights Act Amendments of 1982 become law

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  6. Jun 13, 2025 National Courts and officials Blocked by a court

    Federal court in Massachusetts blocks parts of Executive Order 14248 in a suit by 19 states

    On June 13, 2025, Judge Denise Casper of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts granted a preliminary injunction in a suit by attorneys general of nineteen states. The court enjoined implementation of Sections 2(a), 2(d), 3(d), 7(a) and 7(b) of Executive Order 14248, and said the injunction as to Sections 2(a), 2(d) and 3(d) applies as to all states.

    Related: President signs Executive Order 14248 on federal elections · Federal court in Washington blocks parts of Executive Order 14248

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  7. May 14, 2025 National Courts and officials Decided by a court

    Eighth Circuit holds private plaintiffs cannot use Section 1983 to enforce Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act

    On May 14, 2025, a divided Eighth Circuit panel in Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians v. Howe, No. 23-3655, wrote that "private plaintiffs" cannot "maintain a private right of action for alleged violations of § 2 through 42 U.S.C. § 1983." It vacated the North Dakota district court's judgment and remanded with instructions that the case be dismissed for want of a cause of action. Chief Judge Colloton dissented, writing that he would affirm the district court's judgment. The panel relied on its 2023 decision in Arkansas State Conference NAACP v. Arkansas Board of Apportionment, which held that Section 2 has no implied private right of action.

    Related: Voting Rights Act Amendments of 1982 become law · Supreme Court stays Eighth Circuit mandate in Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians v. Howe · Eighth Circuit holds private plaintiffs cannot enforce Section 2 in the circuit and vacates the map ruling

    Source last checked Oct 23, 2026

  8. Apr 24, 2025 National Courts and officials Blocked by a court

    Federal court in Washington blocks parts of Executive Order 14248

    On April 24, 2025, Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia granted preliminary injunctions in three consolidated cases. The court enjoined the Election Assistance Commission from implementing Section 2(a) of Executive Order 14248 (documentary proof of citizenship on the federal voter registration form) and enjoined certain agencies from implementing Section 2(d). It denied the motions as to Sections 2(b), 7(a) and 7(b).

    Related: President signs Executive Order 14248 on federal elections · Federal court permanently bars the Election Assistance Commission from implementing Section 2(a) of Executive Order 14248

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  9. Apr 10, 2025 National Laws and rules Failed

    House passes SAVE Act, 220-208; Senate does not act

    On April 10, 2025, the House passed H.R. 22, the SAVE Act, by 220 to 208 (Roll no. 102). The bill was received in the Senate the same day; the bill record lists no later action, and it did not become law.

    Related: House passes SAVE America Act text as an amendment to S. 1383, 218-213

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  10. Mar 25, 2025 National Laws and rules In effect

    President signs Executive Order 14248 on federal elections

    Executive Order 14248, "Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections," is dated March 25, 2025 and was published in the Federal Register on March 28, 2025. Section 2 is titled "Enforcing the Citizenship Requirement for Federal Elections," Section 4 "Improving the Election Assistance Commission," and Section 7 "Compliance with Federal Law Setting the National Election Day." Courts later enjoined parts of it.

    Related: Federal court in Washington blocks parts of Executive Order 14248 · Federal court permanently bars the Election Assistance Commission from implementing Section 2(a) of Executive Order 14248 · Supreme Court grants stay in Department of Homeland Security v. League of Women Voters, on voter citizenship checks · Federal court in Massachusetts blocks parts of Executive Order 14248 in a suit by 19 states

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

2024

  1. May 23, 2024 National Courts and officials Decided by a court

    Supreme Court decides Alexander v. South Carolina State Conference of the NAACP

    On May 23, 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court held that "The District Court's finding that race predominated in the design of District 1 in the Enacted Plan was clearly erroneous" in a challenge to South Carolina's congressional map.

    Source last checked Oct 22, 2026

  2. Mar 4, 2024 National Courts and officials Decided by a court

    Supreme Court decides Trump v. Anderson

    On March 4, 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court held that "Because the Constitution makes Congress, rather than the States, responsible for enforcing Section 3 against federal officeholders and candidates, the Colorado Supreme Court erred in ordering former President Trump excluded from Colorado's 2024 Presidential primary ballot."

    Source last checked Oct 23, 2026

2023

  1. Jun 27, 2023 National Courts and officials Decided by a court

    Supreme Court decides Moore v. Harper

    On June 27, 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court held that "The Elections Clause does not insulate state legislatures from the ordinary exercise of state judicial review." The case arose from a challenge to North Carolina's congressional map.

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  2. Jun 8, 2023 National Courts and officials Decided by a court

    Supreme Court decides Allen v. Milligan

    On June 8, 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed a lower court's finding that voters had shown a reasonable likelihood of success in claiming that the congressional map Alabama adopted for its 2022 elections (HB1) violates Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. The lower court had preliminarily barred Alabama from using that map.

    Related: Voting Rights Act of 1965 signed into law · Supreme Court decides Louisiana v. Callais

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

2022

  1. Dec 29, 2022 National Laws and rules Enacted

    Electoral Count Reform Act of 2022 becomes law

    Division P of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (Public Law 117-328, signed December 29, 2022) may be cited as the "Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act of 2022." Title I may be cited as the "Electoral Count Reform Act of 2022."

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  2. Jan 19, 2022 National Laws and rules Failed

    Senate cloture on the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act fails, 49-51

    On January 19, 2022, the Senate voted 49 to 51 on cloture on the motion to concur in the House amendment to H.R. 5746, the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act, and cloture was "not invoked" (Record Vote 9). The bill record also lists a motion by Senator Schumer to appeal the ruling of the chair as "not agreed to," on the question "Shall the decision of the Chair stand as the judgement of the Senate," by 52 to 48 (Record Vote 10). The bill did not become law.

    Related: Senate vote to begin debate on the Freedom to Vote Act fails, 49-51 · House passes John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act; Senate cloture vote on November 3, 2021 is 50-49 and fails

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

2021

  1. Oct 20, 2021 National Laws and rules Failed

    Senate vote to begin debate on the Freedom to Vote Act fails, 49-51

    On October 20, 2021, the Senate voted 49 to 51 on cloture on the motion to proceed to S. 2747, the Freedom to Vote Act. The bill record says cloture was "not invoked" (Record Vote 420). The bill did not become law.

    Related: For the People Act of 2021 passes the House; Senate committee discharge vote is 50-49 and the bill stalls · Senate cloture on the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act fails, 49-51

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  2. Aug 24, 2021 National Laws and rules Failed

    House passes John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act; Senate cloture vote on November 3, 2021 is 50-49 and fails

    On August 24, 2021, the House passed H.R. 4, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021, by 219 to 212 (Roll no. 260). On November 3, 2021, a Senate vote on cloture on the motion to proceed to the companion bill, S. 4, was 50 to 49 and cloture was "not invoked" (Record Vote 459). Neither bill became law.

    Related: House passes Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2019; no Senate vote follows · Senate cloture on the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act fails, 49-51

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  3. Aug 12, 2021 National Maps and lines Settled

    Census Bureau releases 2020 redistricting data for states

    On August 12, 2021, the Census Bureau released the 2020 Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171) Summary File, which it described as delivering data for states to begin redistricting. On September 16, 2021, it released the same data in an easier-to-use format on data.census.gov and delivered a toolkit to states.

    Source last checked Oct 22, 2026

  4. Jul 1, 2021 National Courts and officials Decided by a court

    Supreme Court decides Brnovich v. Democratic National Committee

    On July 1, 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court held that "Arizona's out-of-precinct policy and HB 2023 do not violate § 2 of the VRA, and HB 2023 was not enacted with a racially discriminatory purpose." The case concerned rules on counting ballots cast in the wrong precinct and on who may collect early ballots.

    Related: Voting Rights Act Amendments of 1982 become law

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  5. Apr 26, 2021 National Maps and lines Settled

    Census Bureau announces 2020 Census apportionment results

    On April 26, 2021, the Census Bureau announced that the 2020 Census resident population of the United States on April 1, 2020 was 331,449,281, and that Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo delivered the population counts used for apportionment of the U.S. House to the President.

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  6. Mar 3, 2021 National Laws and rules Failed

    For the People Act of 2021 passes the House; Senate committee discharge vote is 50-49 and the bill stalls

    On March 3, 2021, the House passed H.R. 1, the For the People Act of 2021, by 220 to 210 (Roll no. 62). On June 22, 2021, the Senate voted 50 to 50 (Roll call 246) on cloture on the motion to proceed to S. 2093, the For the People Act of 2021, which required 3/5 of the Senate; the Senate roll call records the result as "Cloture on the Motion to Proceed Rejected." On August 11, 2021, the Senate voted 50 to 49 to discharge its Rules and Administration Committee from the companion bill, S. 1 (Roll call 358). The bill records list no Senate vote on passage, and neither bill became law.

    Related: House passes For the People Act of 2019; no Senate vote follows · Senate vote to begin debate on the Freedom to Vote Act fails, 49-51

    Source last checked Oct 22, 2026

  7. Feb 10, 2021 National Polling places and drop boxes In effect

    Election Assistance Commission adopts Voluntary Voting System Guidelines 2.0

    The Election Assistance Commission says that on February 10, 2021 its commissioners unanimously adopted version 2.0 of the Voluntary Voting System Guidelines, the specifications against which voting systems are tested. The EAC says it stopped using versions 1.0 and 1.1 to certify voting systems as of November 16, 2023, and that previously certified systems are not decertified by that change.

    Related: Help America Vote Act of 2002 becomes law

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

2020

  1. Dec 11, 2020 National Courts and officials Decided by a court

    Supreme Court denies Texas's motion to file a suit over other states' 2020 election procedures

    On December 11, 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court ordered in Texas v. Pennsylvania: "The State of Texas's motion for leave to file a bill of complaint is denied for lack of standing under Article III of the Constitution. Texas has not demonstrated a judicially cognizable interest in the manner in which another State conducts its elections."

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

2019

  1. Dec 6, 2019 National Laws and rules Failed

    House passes Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2019; no Senate vote follows

    On December 6, 2019, the House passed H.R. 4, the Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2019, by 228 to 187 (Roll no. 654). It was received in the Senate on December 9, 2019 and referred to the Judiciary Committee; the bill record lists no Senate vote, and it did not become law.

    Related: House passes John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act; Senate cloture vote on November 3, 2021 is 50-49 and fails · Supreme Court decides Shelby County v. Holder

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  2. Jun 27, 2019 National Courts and officials Decided by a court

    Supreme Court decides Department of Commerce v. New York, on a census citizenship question

    On June 27, 2019, the U.S. Supreme Court decided a challenge to the Commerce Secretary's decision to add a citizenship question to the 2020 census. The syllabus says "The Enumeration Clause permits Congress, and by extension the Secretary, to inquire about citizenship on the census questionnaire," and the judgment was "affirmed in part, reversed in part, and remanded."

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  3. Jun 27, 2019 National Courts and officials Decided by a court

    Supreme Court decides Rucho v. Common Cause

    On June 27, 2019, the U.S. Supreme Court decided cases from North Carolina and Maryland in which voters challenged congressional maps as partisan. The Court held that such claims present "political questions beyond the reach of the federal courts."

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  4. Mar 8, 2019 National Laws and rules Failed

    House passes For the People Act of 2019; no Senate vote follows

    On March 8, 2019, the House passed H.R. 1, the For the People Act of 2019, by 234 to 193 (Roll no. 118). The bill was received in the Senate on March 12, 2019 and placed on the Senate calendar; the bill record lists no Senate vote on passage, and it did not become law.

    Related: For the People Act of 2021 passes the House; Senate committee discharge vote is 50-49 and the bill stalls

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

2018

  1. Sep 12, 2018 National Laws and rules In effect

    President signs Executive Order 13848 on foreign interference in U.S. elections

    Executive Order 13848, dated September 12, 2018, imposes sanctions authority in the event of foreign interference in a U.S. election. The order says "there has been no evidence of a foreign power altering the outcome or vote tabulation in any United States election" and declares a national emergency over the threat of interference.

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  2. Jun 18, 2018 National Courts and officials Decided by a court

    Supreme Court decides Gill v. Whitford

    On June 18, 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court reviewed a challenge to Wisconsin's state legislative map as a partisan one. The Court held that "The plaintiffs have failed to demonstrate Article III standing."

    Related: Supreme Court decides Rucho v. Common Cause

    Source last checked Oct 23, 2026

  3. Jun 11, 2018 National Courts and officials Upheld

    Supreme Court decides Husted v. A. Philip Randolph Institute

    On June 11, 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court held that "The process that Ohio uses to remove voters on change-of-residence grounds does not violate the Failure-to-Vote Clause or any other part of the NVRA."

    Related: National Voter Registration Act of 1993 becomes law · Help America Vote Act of 2002 becomes law

    Source last checked Oct 22, 2026

  4. Jan 3, 2018 National Courts and officials Enacted

    President terminates the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity

    Executive Order 13820, dated January 3, 2018 and published January 8, 2018, revoked Executive Order 13799 and states that "the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity is accordingly terminated."

    Related: President establishes the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

2017

  1. May 22, 2017 National Courts and officials Decided by a court

    Supreme Court decides Cooper v. Harris

    On May 22, 2017, the U.S. Supreme Court reviewed North Carolina's congressional Districts 1 and 12. The syllabus says the lower court "did not err in concluding that race furnished the predominant rationale for District 1's redesign and that the State's interest in complying with the VRA could not justify that consideration of race."

    Source last checked Oct 23, 2026

  2. May 11, 2017 National Courts and officials Enacted

    President establishes the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity

    Executive Order 13799, dated May 11, 2017 and published May 16, 2017, established the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, chaired by the Vice President, to "study the registration and voting processes used in Federal elections."

    Related: President terminates the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  3. Jan 6, 2017 National Polling places and drop boxes In effect

    Homeland Security designates election infrastructure as critical infrastructure

    On January 6, 2017, Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said he had determined "that election infrastructure in this country should be designated as a subsector of the existing Government Facilities critical infrastructure sector." The statement defines election infrastructure as including "storage facilities, polling places, and centralized vote tabulations locations" and voter registration databases and voting machines.

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

2016

  1. Apr 4, 2016 National Courts and officials Decided by a court

    Supreme Court decides Evenwel v. Abbott

    On April 4, 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court held that "a State or locality may draw its legislative districts based on total population," according to its syllabus.

    Source last checked Oct 23, 2026

2013

  1. Jun 25, 2013 National Courts and officials Struck down

    Supreme Court decides Shelby County v. Holder

    On June 25, 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court held that Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act is unconstitutional and that its formula can no longer be used as a basis for requiring places to get federal approval ("preclearance") before changing voting procedures.

    Related: Voting Rights Act of 1965 signed into law · Supreme Court decides Northwest Austin Municipal Utility District No. One v. Holder · Voting Rights Act reauthorized and amended in 2006 · Supreme Court decides South Carolina v. Katzenbach

    Source last checked Oct 23, 2026

  2. Jun 17, 2013 National Courts and officials Decided by a court

    Supreme Court decides Arizona v. Inter Tribal Council of Arizona

    On June 17, 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court held that "Arizona's evidence-of-citizenship requirement, as applied to Federal Form applicants, is pre-empted by the NVRA's mandate that States 'accept and use' the Federal Form."

    Related: National Voter Registration Act of 1993 becomes law

    Source last checked Oct 23, 2026

  3. Mar 28, 2013 National Courts and officials Enacted

    President establishes the Presidential Commission on Election Administration

    Executive Order 13639, dated March 28, 2013 and published April 3, 2013, established the Presidential Commission on Election Administration. The order says the commission "shall identify best practices and otherwise make recommendations to promote the efficient administration of elections."

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

2009

  1. Oct 28, 2009 National Laws and rules Enacted

    Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment Act becomes law

    Section 575 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (Public Law 111-84, dated October 28, 2009) may be cited as the "Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment Act." It adds a requirement that states transmit a validly requested absentee ballot to an absent uniformed services voter or overseas voter not later than 45 days before a federal election, when the request is received at least 45 days before it.

    Related: Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act becomes law

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  2. Jun 22, 2009 National Courts and officials Decided by a court

    Supreme Court decides Northwest Austin Municipal Utility District No. One v. Holder

    On June 22, 2009, the U.S. Supreme Court held that the Voting Rights Act "must be interpreted to permit all political subdivisions, including the district, to seek to bail out from the preclearance requirements," and so did not decide the constitutional question. The syllabus also says the Act "now raises serious constitutional concerns."

    Related: Voting Rights Act reauthorized and amended in 2006 · Supreme Court decides Shelby County v. Holder

    Source last checked Oct 23, 2026

  3. Mar 9, 2009 National Courts and officials Decided by a court

    Supreme Court decides Bartlett v. Strickland

    On March 9, 2009, the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed a North Carolina ruling. A three-Justice opinion concluded that Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act "does not require state officials to draw election-district lines to allow a racial minority that would make up less than 50 percent of the voting-age population in the redrawn district to join with crossover voters to elect the minority's candidate of choice."

    Source last checked Oct 23, 2026

2008

  1. Apr 28, 2008 National Courts and officials Upheld

    Supreme Court decides Crawford v. Marion County Election Board

    On April 28, 2008, the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed the ruling upholding Indiana's photo identification law (SEA 483). Justice Stevens, joined by two other Justices, concluded that "the evidence in the record does not support a facial attack on SEA 483's validity."

    Source last checked Oct 23, 2026

2006

  1. Oct 20, 2006 National Courts and officials Decided by a court

    Supreme Court decides Purcell v. Gonzalez

    On October 20, 2006, the U.S. Supreme Court vacated a Ninth Circuit order that had blocked Arizona's new voter identification requirements before the November election. The Court said that vacating the order "shall of necessity allow the election to proceed without an injunction suspending the requirements" and expressed "no opinion on the correct disposition of the appeals."

    Source last checked Oct 23, 2026

  2. Jul 27, 2006 National Laws and rules Enacted

    Voting Rights Act reauthorized and amended in 2006

    Public Law 109-246, dated July 27, 2006, may be cited as the "Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks, and Coretta Scott King Voting Rights Act Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2006." Among other changes it amended Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act and replaced the references to the 1982 amendments in Section 4(a).

    Related: Voting Rights Act Amendments of 1982 become law · Supreme Court decides Shelby County v. Holder

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  3. Jun 28, 2006 National Courts and officials Decided by a court

    Supreme Court decides LULAC v. Perry

    On June 28, 2006, the U.S. Supreme Court decided challenges to Texas's 2003 congressional redistricting. The Court's syllabus says "Texas' redrawing of District 23's lines amounts to vote dilution violative of § 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965."

    Source last checked Oct 23, 2026

2002

  1. Oct 29, 2002 National Laws and rules Enacted

    Help America Vote Act of 2002 becomes law

    Public Law 107-252, dated October 29, 2002, is titled, in part, "To establish a program to provide funds to States to replace punch card voting systems, to establish the Election Assistance Commission" to assist in the administration of federal elections, and "to establish minimum election administration standards for States and units of local government with responsibility for the administration of Federal elections."

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

2000

  1. Dec 12, 2000 National Courts and officials Decided by a court

    Supreme Court decides Bush v. Gore

    On December 12, 2000, the U.S. Supreme Court, in a per curiam opinion, reversed the Florida Supreme Court's order for manual recounts. The Court's syllabus says "any recount seeking to meet 3 U.S.C. § 5's December 12 'safe-harbor' date would be unconstitutional under the Equal Protection Clause."

    Source last checked Oct 23, 2026

1993

  1. Jun 28, 1993 National Courts and officials Decided by a court

    Supreme Court decides Shaw v. Reno

    On June 28, 1993, the U.S. Supreme Court held that voters stated a claim under the Equal Protection Clause by alleging that a reapportionment plan was "so irrational on its face that it can be understood only as an effort to segregate voters into separate districts on the basis of race," without sufficient justification.

    Source last checked Oct 23, 2026

  2. May 20, 1993 National Laws and rules Enacted

    National Voter Registration Act of 1993 becomes law

    Public Law 103-31, the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, is dated May 20, 1993. The law states its purpose as "to establish procedures that will increase the number of eligible citizens who register to vote in elections for Federal office."

    Related: Supreme Court decides Arizona v. Inter Tribal Council of Arizona · Supreme Court decides Husted v. A. Philip Randolph Institute

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

1986

  1. Aug 28, 1986 National Laws and rules Enacted

    Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act becomes law

    Public Law 99-410, dated August 28, 1986, may be cited as the "Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act." Its subject is voting in federal elections by members of the uniformed services and by citizens living overseas.

    Related: Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment Act becomes law

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

  2. Jun 30, 1986 National Courts and officials Decided by a court

    Supreme Court decides Thornburg v. Gingles

    On June 30, 1986, the U.S. Supreme Court decided its first case under the 1982 version of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. The syllabus says minority voters who contend that a multimember form of districting violates Section 2 "must prove that the use of a multimember electoral structure operates to minimize or cancel out their ability to elect their preferred candidates."

    Related: Voting Rights Act Amendments of 1982 become law

    Source last checked Oct 23, 2026

1984

  1. Sep 28, 1984 National Polling places and drop boxes Enacted

    Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act becomes law

    Public Law 98-435, dated September 28, 1984, is titled "To improve access for handicapped and elderly individuals to registration facilities and polling places for Federal elections."

    Source last checked Oct 22, 2026

1982

  1. Jun 29, 1982 National Laws and rules Enacted

    Voting Rights Act Amendments of 1982 become law

    Public Law 97-205, dated June 29, 1982, rewrote Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act to bar any practice "imposed or applied by any State or political subdivision in a manner which results in a denial or abridgement of the right of any citizen of the United States to vote on account of race or color." It also provided that a section 4 provision expires "at the end of the twenty-five-year period following the effective date" of the 1982 amendments.

    Related: Voting Rights Act reauthorized and amended in 2006 · Supreme Court decides Thornburg v. Gingles · Supreme Court decides City of Mobile v. Bolden · Supreme Court decides Louisiana v. Callais

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

1980

  1. Apr 22, 1980 National Courts and officials Decided by a court

    Supreme Court decides City of Mobile v. Bolden

    On April 22, 1980, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed a lower-court ruling against Mobile, Alabama's at-large election system. Four Justices concluded that "Racially discriminatory motivation is a necessary ingredient of a Fifteenth Amendment violation." Congress amended Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act in 1982.

    Related: Voting Rights Act Amendments of 1982 become law

    Source last checked Oct 23, 2026

1975

  1. Aug 6, 1975 National Laws and rules Enacted

    Voting Rights Act extended in 1975, with language-minority protections

    Public Law 94-73, dated August 6, 1975, is titled "To amend the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to extend certain provisions for an additional seven years, to make permanent the ban against certain prerequisites to voting, and for other purposes." It also provides that no voting qualification may be imposed "to deny or abridge the right of any citizen of the United States to vote because he is a member of a language minority group."

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

1971

  1. Jul 1, 1971 National Laws and rules Enacted

    26th Amendment ratified: voting age of 18

    The National Archives lists the 26th Amendment as passed by Congress on March 23, 1971, and ratified on July 1, 1971. It reads: "The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age."

    Related: Supreme Court decides Oregon v. Mitchell

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

1970

  1. Dec 21, 1970 National Courts and officials Decided by a court

    Supreme Court decides Oregon v. Mitchell

    On December 21, 1970, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on the 1970 Voting Rights Act Amendments. The Court's syllabus says the 18-year-old minimum-age requirement is valid for national elections but not valid for state and local elections, and that the literacy test provision is valid.

    Related: Voting Rights Act Amendments of 1970 become law · 26th Amendment ratified: voting age of 18

    Source last checked Oct 23, 2026

  2. Jun 22, 1970 National Laws and rules Enacted

    Voting Rights Act Amendments of 1970 become law

    Public Law 91-285, dated June 22, 1970, is titled "To extend the Voting Rights Act of 1965 with respect to the discriminatory use of tests, and for other purposes." It may be cited as the Voting Rights Act Amendments of 1970.

    Related: Supreme Court decides Oregon v. Mitchell · Voting Rights Act of 1965 signed into law

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

1969

  1. Mar 3, 1969 National Courts and officials Decided by a court

    Supreme Court decides Allen v. State Board of Elections

    On March 3, 1969, the U.S. Supreme Court held that "Private litigants may invoke the jurisdiction of the district courts to obtain relief under § 5" of the Voting Rights Act, according to the Court's syllabus.

    Related: Voting Rights Act of 1965 signed into law

    Source last checked Oct 23, 2026

1967

  1. Dec 14, 1967 National Maps and lines Enacted

    Congress requires single-member congressional districts (Public Law 90-196)

    Public Law 90-196, approved December 14, 1967, provides that in each state entitled to more than one Representative "there shall be established by law a number of districts equal to the number of Representatives to which such State is so entitled," with "no district to elect more than one Representative."

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

1966

  1. Mar 24, 1966 National Courts and officials Struck down

    Supreme Court decides Harper v. Virginia Board of Elections

    On March 24, 1966, the U.S. Supreme Court held that "a State's conditioning of the right to vote on the payment of a fee or tax violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment." The case concerned Virginia's poll tax.

    Source last checked Oct 23, 2026

  2. Mar 7, 1966 National Courts and officials Upheld

    Supreme Court decides South Carolina v. Katzenbach

    On March 7, 1966, the U.S. Supreme Court decided South Carolina's challenge to the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The Court held that "the sections of the Act properly before this Court are a valid effectuation of the Fifteenth Amendment."

    Related: Voting Rights Act of 1965 signed into law · Supreme Court decides Shelby County v. Holder

    Source last checked Oct 23, 2026

1965

  1. Aug 6, 1965 National Laws and rules Enacted

    Voting Rights Act of 1965 signed into law

    President Lyndon Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act into law on August 6, 1965. The National Archives says the act outlawed the discriminatory voting practices adopted in many southern states after the Civil War.

    Related: Supreme Court decides Shelby County v. Holder · Supreme Court decides Allen v. Milligan

    Source last checked Oct 20, 2026

How this timeline is built

Every entry rests on at least one source that was opened and read, and that source states the date and the fact. Courts, legislatures, election offices, the Justice Department, the Census Bureau, the Federal Register and Congress.gov come first. A news report is used only when no official page states the fact, and it is labeled with the outlet's name. Encyclopedias are not used as sources. History starts in 1965 with the Voting Rights Act. County names come from the Census Bureau's 2024 Gazetteer. Congressional district numbers are those in use for the 2026 election; an event is tagged to a district only when its source names that congressional district.

When a later event changes an earlier one, such as a law later struck down, both entries are listed and point to each other. This page does not predict outcomes or say which party a change helps. U.S. House maps for 2026 · Back to the 2026 voting center.